French Opposition Lawmakers Request Impeachment of President Hollande

PARIS – Dozens of French opposition lawmakers late on Thursday formally requested an impeachmeant of President FranÃ§ois Hollande over his disclosure of classified information to journalists for a tell-all book.

The head of Franceâ€™s National Assembly confirmed that he had transferred a copy of the impeachment request signed by 79 opposition MPs to the executive branch.

The request, which in part of the French constitutionâ€™s Article 68, faces several political and legal obstacles. Furthermore, it’s a long shot and does not appear to have been taken seriously by the president or the Socialist party.

Article 68 states that â€œthe President of the Republic shall not be removed from office during the term thereof on any grounds other than a breach of his duties patently incompatible with his continuing in office. Such removal from office shall be proclaimed by Parliament sitting as the High Courtâ€.